by Barbara Stanley

Created on: April 22, 2009

Although not formal or organized, our parents or caregivers are the first teachers we have in life. Whether or not we get a good start in life depends on the amount of time, the methods, and the ability of our parents to teach. Informed parents know that children learn through repetition, by example, and through interest in what is being taught. A child recognizes the praise and joy of his parents whenever he accomplishes something his parents have been trying to teach over time. This positive reinforcement is vital to a child's continued interest in achievement in learning.

Speech is the first basic lesson parents teach their children. To be a good language teacher, a parent must look at her baby while carefully enunciating each word. Babies begin speech by babbling, showing they understand the concept of verbal communication. Babies continue putting the sounds together until they form words. The better and more patient the teacher is at repeating the words and associating the word with the object or action, the quicker the child will learn. Unfortunately, many parents do not realize the importance of spending time with the baby, talking to them and giving them the time and attention they crave to thrive. Some parents have the ability but not the interest or desire to spend much time with their children.

The better the foundation for learning is, the easier it will be for the child when he is introduced to formal education through the public school system. Parents who have taught their children to respect those with authority, will have children who willingly obey their teachers during the school day. Although I have never seen it happen and doubt it ever will, an entire classroom of children who respect their teacher and her commands, will each benefit from having a teacher who has extremely little stress and more energy throughout the school day. The more a teacher has to reprimand her students, constantly redirect children to remain on task, and re-teach basic skills, the harder it will be for her to teach with ease and joy.

The relationship between student and teacher is vital to the success of the student. Children desire to please the adults in their lives and will pay attention and strive to be their best for a teacher who obviously enjoys teaching and loves her students as though they were her own. Therefore, teachers who realize they have chosen the wrong profession, or find that they do not have the patience for dealing with children, should leave the

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